Spooky tales of the past

Murders, suicides and cut-throats are the gruesome focus of a spooky new ghost tour, revealing the grizzly past of Preston’s streets.
Chris Barton, Gareth Price-Baghurst and Janelle Thompson of The Cut Throat Ghost TourChris Barton, Gareth Price-Baghurst and Janelle Thompson of The Cut Throat Ghost Tour
Chris Barton, Gareth Price-Baghurst and Janelle Thompson of The Cut Throat Ghost Tour

The Cut Throat Ghost Tour began last week and explores the city’s Victorian history, based on real-life stories.

It is being performed by members of the Wooden Spoons Theatre, and involves storytellers and live music.

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Sharon Lancaster, creative director of the company, said: “It was a bit like the whole town stood still as the accordion kicked in and this ghostly procession went through the city.”

The tour starts in Lofty’s Cocktail Emporium where the group meets, and then they proceed to five locations across Preston.

Sharon said: “It is very theatrical – it takes them to the location and almost re-enacts what happened. It is quite gritty and real.

“The accordion underscores everything, so when it starts getting dramatic it comes in and builds up the pace and the drama.”

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One of the stories the audience is told is about a 16-year-old girl murdered by her husband to be, on the day they were due to be married at the Minster church.

The grim story tells of how she had her throat cut with a razor blade, and bled to death in her wedding dress.

Sharon said: “It is eerie, and every single person who came loved it.”

Shows run on Thursdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 9pm until October 25. They then run on Halloween at 7.30pm, 9pm and midnight, and on November 1,2 and 3 at 7.30pm and 9pm. Visit www.woodenspoonstheatre.co.uk.